February member spotlight – Marilyn BrInk
How long have you been practicing at Prana, and how has your practice grown?
I started practicing at Prana 14 years ago when my daughter gave me a guest pass she received in her prenatal yoga class. I didn’t know much about yoga, but I thought it might be helpful to try it since I was feeling so much stress from my job, and just working out at the fitness center didn’t seem to help me with that. I thought adding yoga to my life might help, and I wasn’t wrong!
I began attending classes and remember feeling like my brain could take a break from whatever else I was thinking about or worried about. We all hear in class that we should “put aside other thoughts, be on your mat, and give yourself 60 minutes to take care of yourself.” These words are a mantra for me to breathe and “be.”
I remember very early on Lisa Bertke suggesting I take the beginner yoga classes at Prana 😜! She surely could tell by watching me in class that I was new to yoga and suggested that series for me. Charisse was my teacher then, and the rest is history! I was off to a great start - guided by those wonderful, knowledgeable, and caring teachers & then, over the years, so many others in such a variety of classes!
What makes you stay with Prana?
For sure it’s the teachers!!!! I do love the feeling I get when I walk into the studio - there is such a special vibe for me! And each teacher brings their voice & personality to the class. I like that and feel my body respond to each of them differently. How many positive adjectives are there to describe the Prana teachers? I just say thank you for being you and helping me be a better me!
What is your favorite class and why?
While I hesitate to play favorites, it’s no secret that I love the Yoga Tone and Core classes! I feel stronger from these classes, and I’m even seeing improved balance! Those benefits have helped me in Vinyasa and Hatha classes - as advertised 💕.
What motivates you to roll out your mat and practice?
All the above! And seeing friends I’ve made at Prana.
Something unique about you that many may not know?
I worked for Brookfield Zoo in Chicago for 15 years, leading an international professional development program called NatureStart for informal educators in zoos, aquariums, arboretums, etc., across the US and in other countries to help them build their skills and understanding of how the young child learns and how to best support that learning in and with nature. I can still do some of that work in a consultant role since the pandemic.
Have you experienced something similar to Marilyn’s journey? Let us know in the comments!